As mentioned in Inflating Effort I studied a bit less than two months for the DAT while taking full time courses, working part time, and learning Korean. This was possible with SRS and by setting the deadline for myself. I realized if I had taken the test after winter break then my grade would be about the same and I would ruin my break. For the MCAT I lost half the summer because I thought I needed all the extra time. In reality I did almost all the studying in two/three weeks before the exam. It took me weeks to recover!
Therefore it is beneficial to set an earlier deadline for the DAT. Since I had two months I studied every day for the DAT without blowing a fuse because I used SRS. The work will get done, and it is much better to just get the exam out of the way than have it linger any longer than necessary.
It is helpful to study every day. With the techniques on the website it is only necessary to study a smaller time per day, so it is unnecessary to take any breaks for a whole day. I spent 30-40 minutes a day doing practice problems, 20-40 minutes adding new information, and about 20 minutes reviewing cards. 1 hour and 40 minutes a day is reasonable. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. I never timed myself – I just did it. I hear some people study 4-6, or even 8 hours a day for months to achieve the same score.
The DAT is straightforward. Learn things, do practice problems, and take the exam. It is a bit different because of the PAT and QR sections, though it is just practice to get it right. A good background in the sections will help, though is unnecessary.
On the ADA website there is a DAT User’s Manual that outlines all the topics on the exam. If there is a topic that is lacking knowledge: read the topic, SRS necessary information, and do practice problems related to that topic. Avoid thinking “There can only be so many problems based on this topic.” To get a high score it is necessary to know ALL of the topics inside and out.
Each section has recommendations for useful reference guides. However the DAT Destroyer covers four sections and is an excellent source of practice problems and sometimes learning material. I recommend getting it for the abundant practice problems.
Practice Exams
It is critical to do many practice problems. They should be done everyday! The DAT has a ‘format’, and it is helpful to get used to it. After 2-3 weeks of studying it is helpful to begin taking practice exams. Here are the practice exams I used:
DAT Sample Test that costs money (and is worth it)
TopScore collection of 3 DAT’s
I am also aware of DAT Achiever and have heard mixed things on it.
Practice exams are best taken under testing conditions: timed and without interruption.
Benefits of Self-Study
Saving money! Really. Saving tons of money.
It is also beneficial to study independently because it allows freedom of scheduling and information. Subjects can be switched anytime, lectures can be paused (Chad’s Videos), and the dread of having to go to class will be saved. The material is more fun when it can be switched anytime. I often switched subjects: “I want to study Organic Chemistry now!” and that is exactly what I did! It seems to me that the people who are willing to put effort and do well in a class are also able to do well without the class. Also, saving ridiculous amounts of money.
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Thanks a lot for this great advice. I was wondering if you would be able to send me the cards you made for the DAT, or if there is a way to allow me access to them. My DAT is in exactly 2 months and I am extremely nervous! :S
I’d love to send the cards I made, however the ones pulled from paid sources like DAT Destroyer and the practice DATs are mixed in with all the cards from free sources. The companies are usually really protective of their material and would bring the hammer down quickly.
Fortunately making cards is an excellent memory builder and can be considered part of the studying process! With 2 months for the DAT you should be just fine.
I got one week before the exam and i just found out about anki
…learning how to put the destroyer questions is almost impossible now since all im doing now is practicing for the dat.